California District Uses "Looping" Classes

The Bakersfield Californian (9/7, Barrientos) reports that looping, a practice that keeps "groups of students together for two or more years with the same teacher," is uncommon in California districts, "but has been part of public education generally since the early 1900s." And, although little is known about "its effectiveness," research at universities "shows looping has boosted attendance rates," and school officials "say students benefit from such things as teachers understanding students' needs better."